NIP Chapter 299 Lin: Stop arguing!
Chapter 299 Lin: Stop arguing!
Chapter 299 Lin: Stop arguing!
Faced with Obito's suppressed, almost out-of-control roar, Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly, his anger mixed with doubt.
Yesterday, Obito was excitedly proclaiming that he wanted to take Rin to visit that old senior near Kannabi Bridge.
How come you changed your thoughts and attitude after waking up?
Especially after seeing Rin, Obito's reaction was ridiculously exaggerated.
Kakashi was also a patient at the moment, so why was Obito speaking to him with that look and tone? It even seemed like he was being judged?
Kakashi frowned and said coldly, "What's wrong with you? I was the one who was most seriously injured in that attack!"
He was no longer lounging with his hands in his pockets; instead, he exuded a sharp aura, his gaze meeting Obito's head-on.
When confronted, Obito felt as if something was blocking his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word of explanation.
He certainly knew how strange he looked.
However, the thought of Kannabi Bridge, the conspiracy lurking in the shadows there, and the image of Rin lying in a pool of blood made it impossible for him to remain calm.
Kakashi was indeed very angry. He was also protecting Rin, but she pinned all the blame on him.
His instinct was to retort, "Don't try to do things your own way."
But the words were on the tip of his tongue, and he swallowed them back down.
Arguing at this time will only make Lin worry.
The two faced off, and the atmosphere suddenly froze.
"Obito, Kakashi, stop fighting!"
Lin quickly ran forward and stood between the two of them.
"Obito, I know you're worried about me, aren't you?"
She didn't question him about why he suddenly changed his mind, nor did she refute him.
"You don't want me to go to that potentially dangerous place."
She chose to understand.
It's assumed that there must be a reason behind Obito's sudden strange behavior that she can't see.
Obito's expression froze; he even wanted to shout out the whole truth.
But he couldn't do it.
"There are many ninjas from enemy countries in that place."
After hesitating for a long time, he finally managed to squeeze out an explanation that sounded like something a young Obito would say: "I'm worried about your safety."
Lin raised her hand and gently patted the back of his hand.
"It's alright, Obito."
"If you're really that worried, then I won't go."
"I'll listen to you."
"You and Kakashi shouldn't fight."
As she spoke, she took out the package she had been holding in her arms and handed it forward.
It was a small bag carefully wrapped in a plain-colored handkerchief, with the corners folded neatly and a small knot tied along the fabric, clearly showing that a lot of thought had been put into it.
Lin lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "This is some food I prepared for that senior colleague—I've been preparing it for quite a while."
"Since I'm not going, could you and Kakashi please take this to him for me?"
"By the way, please say hello to him for me."
She didn't complain about Obito's unreasonable behavior, nor did she lament that her efforts had been wasted, and she didn't take sides between the two boys.
He simply responded to Obito's seemingly inexplicable fear in the gentlest way.
Obito's hands trembled slightly.
Lin's understanding and unwavering trust are like a warm fire.
Indeed, no matter what world you're in, or what the situation is.
Lin is always so gentle and considerate, always putting other people's needs before her own.
She is the best.
Always.
At that moment, Obito suddenly realized something with crystal clarity.
He would absolutely, positively never allow Lynn to walk down that path to tragedy again.
We must protect Lin in this world!
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Uchiha Obito have been detected! Emotional value +500!]
"—Yes, I will give it to him properly."
Obito reached out and solemnly took the package. The moment his palm touched the package...
The instant he received it, he looked up and glared fiercely at Kakashi.
Kakashi: "?"
Kakashi met Obito's hostile gaze and became even more confused.
He even began to suspect that Obito might be under some kind of genjutsu.
Or is someone stirring things up behind the scenes?
"Let's go."
Obito carefully put the package away, his tone somewhat stiff.
He waved vigorously at Lin: "Then we'll be going now. We'll tell you about that senior when we get back."
Lin nodded, but her gaze remained fixed on him, her worry not completely dissipating.
Kakashi watched Obito turn and leave, then glanced at Rin beside him, who was still somewhat uneasy.
He paused for a moment, suppressing the complex emotions in his heart, and said, "You go back and rest first, Lin. We'll be back soon."
After saying that, he turned around and followed Obito at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
in the audience.
"Wow, Obito's reaction is way too exaggerated!"
Naruto leaned back in his chair, looking puzzled.
-
"It's not like we're going on some S-class mission. It's just visiting an old man. Why are you making it sound like we're going to our deaths?"
Sasuke crossed his arms and nodded silently, saying, "It was a bit too much."
Sasuke gained a lot from his time with Madara Uchiha these past two days, things that were beyond his expectations.
Although Madara Uchiha was sharp-tongued, had a tough attitude, and acted domineeringly, he was actually quite good to him.
At least, Ban never hides his true feelings; he scolds when he wants to scold and teaches when he wants to teach.
It was precisely this discrepancy that made him have a deeper doubt about Konoha's claims.
Was Madara Uchiha really as terrifying as they say?
Judging from this dream, at least, this ancestor did indeed live in seclusion underground in the Land of Grass, in a remote corner.
It seems they didn't do anything particularly terrifying.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto scratched his head. "It's understandable to worry about your comrades, but that guy's attitude just now—"
Normally, when Kakashi says something like this, he would usually spout some profound principles.
But not this time.
Kakashi sat quietly in his seat, not responding immediately.
"that----"
Kakashi remained silent for a long time, and Naruto's heart began to pound. He shrank back and said somewhat guiltily, "I didn't mean that Obito was wrong—"
"I just feel like he's exaggerating a bit?"
Kakashi slowly came to his senses.
He turned to look at Naruto, then glanced at Sasuke, who seemed lost in thought, on the other side.
"No, if it were me, I would probably do the same thing as him."
Naruto was stunned: "?"
Kakashi nodded slightly in response, then looked back at the screen.
He certainly understood why Obito reacted that way.
If it were Kakashi Hatake who entered this dream today, he would react exactly the same way Obito did in the dream, stopping Rin from going to Kannabi Bridge.
After all, it was around this time in reality that Rin had her accident at the Kannabi Bridge.
So when Kakashi saw that Rin ultimately chose to stay at the camp, he breathed a sigh of relief.
At least, in this dream, Lin is safe for the time being.
[Ding! Kakashi Hatake's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +700!]
On the other side of the audience seats.
Nagato and Konan sat quietly at a slight, subtle distance from the people of Konoha.
Nagato's attention today was mostly focused on Kakashi, not on the screen.
From the moment he entered this dream, he would occasionally observe Kakashi's reactions.
It's not because I care.
It was because he suddenly thought of something very important.
The protagonist of this dream, this guy named Obito, seems to have never appeared in the audience.
This is obviously inconsistent with common sense.
"—Xiao Nan."
He turned his head slightly and deliberately lowered his voice.
Xiao Nan turned her head to look at him, her eyes calm, as if she were asking a silent question.
"Think carefully," Nagato said calmly, his gaze still fixed ahead. "From the time we were pulled into this dream until now, among all the spectators who have appeared, have you seen anyone named 'Uchiha Obito'?"
A brief look of surprise flashed across Xiao Nan's eyes.
She didn't ask any questions, but instead followed his words and quickly recalled, going through those faces roughly.
After a few breaths, Xiao Nan shook her head firmly and said, "No."
Not even once.
"Um."
Nagato nodded slightly, not surprised by the answer.
He had never seen this guy before.
on the screen.
The young Obito was carrying a pack on his back, leaving the camp one after the other with his companions.
"I see."
Nagato muttered something to himself, and suddenly felt a little relieved.
"Xiao Nan".
"I think I know who he is."
[Ding! Nagato's emotional fluctuations have been detected! Emotional value +00!]
on the screen.
Kakashi followed a few steps behind Obito.
His right hand hung naturally at his side; with just a slight lift, he could touch the short knife behind him.
Obito's earlier, almost hysterical warning, though somewhat inexplicable, was enough to alert Kakashi.
However, along the way, apart from the occasional small insect crawling through the cracks in the rocks, there were no ambushes or traps.
Finally, a heavy stone door stood in front of the two of them.
"See?"
Kakashi looked around and said, "There's no ambush here."
"There's not even a shadow, it's very safe."
"Obito, you're too tense."
Obito didn't turn around or refute, he just let out a cold snort.
His entire focus was now on the truth that was drawing ever closer.
The source of the truth that led to Lynn's death and changed his life is just ahead.
He had no interest in paying attention to the young and ignorant Kakashi behind him.
Obito looked up, staring at the crisscrossing patterns on the door. Suppressing his complicated thoughts, he reached out and pressed his hand on the stone door, pushing it open forcefully.
The heavy stone door slowly slid open, revealing a bright and spacious view.
As always, Madara Uchiha sat upright on the stone throne.
The moment Obito and Kakashi stepped into the cave, he slowly opened his eyes.
A crimson light shone in the dim light as it calmly looked at the two intruders. Its gaze lingered on Obito for a moment, then swept over Kakashi, before finally settling back on Obito.
An aged and dignified voice echoed in the empty cave: "You've come again."
"Obito, didn't you promise before you left last time that you would bring another good friend for me to see?"
"Why did you bring that kid with the deathly look on his face again this time?"
Kakashi's back stiffened. He could feel the pressure from those eyes when they fell on him, a feeling that was astonishing no matter how many times he had seen them before.
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Uchiha Obito have been detected! Emotional value +500!]
Obito cursed inwardly, "Idiot."
The version of myself in my dreams.
That bastard actually mentioned Lin to this old monster in front of him, and even said he would bring her here.
The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became.
If it weren't for him coming in today...
If it were the original, utterly foolish Obito—
He dared not think any further.
Obito cursed himself a thousand times in his heart.
They actually wanted to bring Lin to a place like this.
"Forehead----"
Obito opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know how to reply.
He glanced quickly at Kakashi beside him and noticed that although Kakashi's face remained expressionless, his body had automatically tensed up.
In a flash, Obito forced himself to calm down.
He forced a slightly stiff smile.
"Haha, you have a great memory."
As he spoke, he turned to the side and patted Kakashi's shoulder forcefully, making it seem like they were very familiar with each other.
Kakashi frowned slightly and gave Obito a strange look.
They were just acting like they wanted to bite him to death, what are they putting on this show now?
Obito didn't have time to pay attention to the question mark on his face and quickly said, "Kakashi is my best friend and my most trusted comrade."
"With Kakashi around, that's enough."
He emphasized the words "best friend" very much, as if he were speaking to Ban, or perhaps reminding himself.
Don't involve Lin.
Kakashi froze upon hearing this.
Goosebumps quickly rose up his neck, and his gaze towards Obito became even stranger.
Did this guy take the wrong medicine?
Don't you usually call yourself Idiot Kakashi or just omit the title altogether?
My best friend.
The most trusted companion.
How could Obito possibly utter such nauseatingly cheesy words?
Madara Uchiha, sitting on the stone seat, seemed amused.
He glanced back and forth between Obito and Kakashi several times, then suddenly chuckled softly, "Hehehe—so that's how it is."
"My best friend, my most trusted companion."
Obito felt extremely uncomfortable and chuckled dryly twice, saying, "Ha, hahaha—that's right, exactly like that."
He nodded vigorously, indicating that he could no longer mention "Lin".
Obito dared not gamble.
He quickly stepped forward, his expression turning serious, and said, "Oh, right—"
"What happened to that matter I asked you to investigate last time?"
"W-It's been so long—"
As he spoke, he unconsciously swallowed.
The boy Kakashi behind him also became extremely alert.
He sensed an unusual urgency in Obito's tone.
Kakashi was surprised that Obito was so concerned about the attack that had seriously injured him.
He was also a little expectant, and his gaze involuntarily turned to Uchiha Madara high above.
Obito did vaguely mention that this reclusive Uchiha elder possessed a vast intelligence network.
Perhaps this can help them find the root cause of that strange attack.
My father and Minato-sensei had also investigated in secret, but the clues went cold inside Kirigakure, as if an invisible hand had erased all traces.
If this senior can really provide clues—
A brief silence fell over the cave.
The only sound was the dripping of water droplets falling from the tips of the stalactites and striking the puddles below.
Madara Uchiha did not answer immediately.
He watched Obito quietly, deep in thought.
Or rather, he was assessing the discrepancy between the Uchiha Obito before him and his expectations.
According to his script, Obito at this stage should be more attracted to power and grand concepts like changing the world.
They might be angry about the truth behind a particular attack.
But one shouldn't be so stubborn.
After a few perfunctory attempts, he thought that given the kid's muddle-headedness and thirst for power, he could just stall a few more times and it would all be over.
Unexpectedly, he was so persistent about this matter, so attached to it.
Madara Uchiha glanced at Kakashi without making a sound.
It seems that Obito, as a teammate, holds a significant place in his heart.
Madara Uchiha's thoughts lasted only a moment.
For a strategist like him, a few unexpected events need to be noted, but they are not enough to shake the foundation of the entire plan.
on the contrary----
Perhaps we can make use of this to turn Obito into a more powerful pawn.
As for what the truth is?
Oh.
That never mattered.
The important thing is to make Obito believe the truth he needs.
"certainly."
Madara Uchiha spoke again, his voice still aged, yet carrying a sense of composure.
"I have not forgotten what you asked me to investigate."
"These days have not been wasted."
He slightly adjusted his leaning posture.
The pipes behind him rubbed together, making a creaking sound.
Regarding the attack on Kirigakure—
—
"I have already found the mastermind behind this."
The moment Madara Uchiha finished speaking, Obito was struck as if by lightning, his whole body trembled, and his ears rang.
Found it!
He found it!
[Ding! Emotional fluctuations from Uchiha Obito have been detected! Emotional value +2000!]
Is the truth finally about to surface?
In reality, he spent many years infiltrating Kirigakure in the Land of Water, manipulating the Mizukage to search for clues.
They even went so far as to launch the Blood Mist policy to disrupt the situation, just to force out the worm hiding in the shadows.
He did so much, yet he was always groping and struggling in the dark, only able to grasp some vague fragments, unable to piece together the complete truth.
The real mastermind has always been hidden in the deepest darkness.
And now, in his dream, is he about to obtain the ultimate answer he has sought for countless days and nights?
Obito raised his head, his voice hoarse.
"Who...who is it?"